Job 13:17

KJV

Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} diligently {H8085} my speech {H4405}, and my declaration {H262} with your ears {H241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Listen closely, then, to my words; pay attention to what I am saying.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears.

American Standard Version

Hear diligently my speech, And let my declaration be in your ears.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 13:17, the suffering patriarch Job issues a fervent and emphatic demand to his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. He insists on their complete and undivided attention, urging them to truly listen to his defense and the weighty declaration he is about to make, rather than dismissing his words with their preconceived notions and rigid theological frameworks. This plea underscores his deep need for a fair hearing and genuine understanding amidst his profound distress and their unfounded accusations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 13:17 is situated within Job's third cycle of debate with his friends, specifically within his response to Zophar (Job 11-14). Having already expressed his profound despair and his longing to present his case directly to God, even if it meant death ([Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Job 13:15 - Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him")), Job now turns his attention back to his human interlocutors. This verse acts as a crucial pause and a rhetorical pivot point, where Job interrupts his ongoing defense to demand a higher level of engagement from his friends. He is not merely continuing his argument but is setting the stage for a more profound and personal declaration, emphasizing the gravity of what he is about to utter and the necessity of their open-minded reception.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wisdom literature, like the Book of Job, often took the form of disputations or dialogues. Counsel and advice were highly valued, and elders or respected figures were expected to offer guidance. However, the efficacy of such counsel depended heavily on the listener's receptivity. The cultural expectation was that one would "hear" and "receive" wisdom, but Job's friends demonstrate a failure in this regard, adhering rigidly to conventional wisdom rather than engaging with Job's unique experience. Job's demand for "diligent" hearing reflects the importance of a fair hearing in a quasi-judicial setting, where one's reputation and understanding of divine justice were at stake. The use of "ears" specifically highlights the physical act of listening, but also implies an intellectual and empathetic reception, moving beyond mere auditory perception.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. It highlights the **inadequacy of human wisdom and counsel** when it lacks empathy and true understanding, as demonstrated by Job's friends, who offer superficial comfort based on flawed assumptions rather than genuine listening. It underscores the **problem of suffering** and the human need for validation and a fair hearing in the face of inexplicable pain. Furthermore, Job's insistence on being heard speaks to the **quest for understanding and justice**, both from his human companions and ultimately from God. This plea for attentive listening also foreshadows the broader theological theme of **divine communication** and humanity's capacity (or failure) to truly hear God's voice, a theme explored throughout the wisdom literature, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 18:13](/proverbs/18-13 "Proverbs 18:13 - Answering Before Hearing") and [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Listen").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear diligently (Hebrew, _shamoa' tishme'u'_):** This is an emphatic construction known as an infinitive absolute, where the infinitive form of the verb precedes a finite form of the same verb. It intensifies the command "to hear," conveying a sense of "hearing, you shall truly hear," "listen very carefully," or "listen indeed." It is a strong, urgent imperative, indicating that Job is not merely asking for passive attention but demanding active, focused, and empathetic reception of his words. It implies a total engagement of the mind and heart, not just the ears.
* **Speech (Hebrew, _dibbĕrātî'_):** This term refers to Job's spoken words, his discourse, or his argument. It denotes the content of his verbal communication, specifically his defense against the accusations of his friends and his articulation of his own experience and understanding of God.
* **Declaration (Hebrew, _ḥawātî'_):** This word is stronger than "speech" and suggests a weighty, solemn statement, an exposition of truth, or a revelation. It implies that what Job is about to say is not mere talk but a significant, perhaps even revelatory, pronouncement of his innermost thoughts and the truth as he perceives it, especially regarding his innocence and God's dealings with him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear diligently my speech":** Job opens with a powerful, emphatic command, demanding not just auditory presence but a deep, intentional, and receptive listening to his words. He is calling for his friends to set aside their preconceived notions and truly absorb the substance of his argument and the pain of his experience. The "diligently" (from the infinitive absolute) highlights the urgency and the qualitative nature of the listening required.
* **"and my declaration with your ears":** This second clause functions as a poetic parallel to the first, reinforcing and intensifying the initial command. While "speech" refers to his general discourse, "declaration" points to a more profound and weighty pronouncement, emphasizing the gravity of what he is about to reveal. The explicit mention of "your ears" might seem redundant, but it serves to underscore the directness of his appeal and the physical act of listening, which must then translate into intellectual and emotional comprehension. It's a plea for them to truly open their minds and hearts through the conduit of their hearing.

#### Literary Devices
Job 13:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey the intensity of Job's plea. The most prominent is **Emphasis**, achieved through the use of the Hebrew infinitive absolute ("Hear diligently" - *shamoa' tishme'u*), which dramatically intensifies the verb "to hear," signaling the critical importance of Job's demand. This is further reinforced by **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "my speech" is paralleled by "my declaration," and the implied act of hearing is reinforced by the explicit mention of "your ears." This repetition of similar ideas in different phrasing serves to underscore the singular, urgent message. The verse also functions as a **Rhetorical Plea**, a direct and impassioned address to his audience, designed not merely to inform but to compel a specific action—attentive listening. This plea highlights Job's desperation for vindication and understanding, making the verse a powerful expression of his emotional state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job's impassioned plea for diligent listening transcends his immediate context, resonating with profound theological and thematic implications for human communication, divine revelation, and the nature of true wisdom. It highlights the spiritual discipline of active listening, not just to human voices, but to the voice of God and the cries of those who suffer. The failure of Job's friends to truly "hear diligently" underscores a critical theological point: rigid adherence to dogma without empathetic engagement can lead to misjudgment and spiritual harm. True wisdom, as presented in Scripture, often begins with a posture of listening and humility, not pre-packaged answers. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that genuine understanding and compassionate engagement are prerequisites for offering meaningful counsel, reflecting God's own patient and attentive posture towards humanity.

* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak")
* [Proverbs 18:13](/proverbs/18-13 "Proverbs 18:13 - The Folly of Hasty Judgment")
* [Psalm 5:1-3](/psalm/5-1 "Psalm 5:1-3 - A Prayer for God's Ear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's desperate cry to be heard in Job 13:17 offers a profound lesson for all human relationships and spiritual disciplines. In a world saturated with noise and quick judgments, the ability to "hear diligently" is a rare and precious commodity. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial listening—merely waiting for our turn to speak—to a place of deep, empathetic engagement. It calls us to create space for others' pain, their unique perspectives, and their declarations, even when they challenge our preconceived notions or comfortable theological frameworks. To truly hear someone, especially in their suffering, is an act of profound love, dignity, and humility, mirroring the attentiveness we desire from God. It requires patience, a willingness to suspend judgment, and a genuine desire to understand, fostering an environment where healing and true connection can occur.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle most with "hearing diligently" – in my relationships, in my spiritual walk, or in my understanding of those different from me?**
* **How might a commitment to active, empathetic listening transform my interactions with others, particularly those who are suffering or feel misunderstood?**
* **What preconceived notions or theological frameworks might I be holding onto that prevent me from truly hearing the "speech" and "declaration" of others, or even of God?**

### FAQ

**Why is Job so insistent on being heard by his friends?**

Answer: Job's insistence on being heard stems from his profound suffering and the deep injustice he feels at the hands of his friends. They have come to "comfort" him but have instead accused him of secret sin, offering rigid theological explanations that do not align with his experience. Job knows he is innocent of the charges they level against him and desperately needs a fair hearing. His plea in [Job 13:17](/job/13-17 "Job 13:17 - Job's Plea for Attentive Listening") is a demand for them to set aside their assumptions, listen to his defense, and acknowledge the truth of his situation, rather than imposing their flawed interpretations upon him. He seeks validation for his experience and a just assessment of his character, which he believes can only come through genuine, empathetic listening.

**What is the significance of the phrase "with your ears"?**

Answer: While seemingly redundant, the phrase "with your ears" in Job 13:17 serves to emphasize the physical act of listening, but more importantly, it underscores the need for a *receptive* and *attentive* hearing. It's not just about sound waves entering the ear canal; it's about the conscious, intentional act of paying attention. In ancient contexts, "ears" often symbolized the capacity for understanding and obedience. By explicitly mentioning "your ears," Job is imploring his friends to open themselves fully—physically, intellectually, and emotionally—to his words, allowing his "speech" and "declaration" to penetrate beyond mere auditory perception into their minds and hearts, leading to genuine comprehension and empathy, rather than dismissal or pre-judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's impassioned plea for a fair and diligent hearing in Job 13:17 finds its ultimate resonance and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Like Job, Jesus was profoundly misunderstood, falsely accused, and ultimately condemned by those who refused to "hear diligently" his words and witness his life. The religious leaders of his day, much like Job's friends, were often blinded by their rigid interpretations of the law and their preconceived notions of the Messiah, failing to truly listen to the "speech" and "declaration" of the [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Jesus, the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word"), perfectly embodied the truth that Job sought to declare. He spoke with unparalleled authority and grace, yet many "had ears but would not hear" ([Mark 8:18](/mark/8-18 "Mark 8:18 - Having Eyes, See Not; Having Ears, Hear Not")). Paradoxically, while Job demanded to be heard, Christ often met misunderstanding with silence before his accusers, demonstrating a divine patience and submission to God's will ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")). Yet, Jesus also perfectly exemplifies the empathetic listener, consistently turning his "ears" to the cries of the suffering, the marginalized, and the repentant, offering not condemnation but compassion and healing ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Ultimately, through his death and resurrection, Christ's "declaration" of God's redemptive love was fully vindicated, calling all humanity to "hear His voice" and live ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 33:1

¶ Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.

Job 21:2

Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations.

Job 13:6

Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.